Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Director

at The Family Hope Foundation

🏢 About The Family Hope Foundation

Family Hope Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that believes in the value, worth, and ability of every person, removing barriers to make critical therapies possible for individuals with disabilities. It offers a supportive, mission-driven environment where families can find hope again. Working here means directly contributing to life-changing support for families in need.

About This Role

As Development Director, you will build, lead, and grow the donor base to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Executive Director, you'll drive revenue across individuals, community foundations, corporate donors, and event sponsorship. This part-time remote role is ideal for a fundraising professional who wants to make a tangible impact on families affected by disabilities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with the Executive Director to review fundraising metrics, crafting a grant proposal, and reaching out to major donors for cultivation. You could also be planning a family event sponsorship or leading a volunteer Development Committee meeting. The work is varied and directly contributes to sustaining programs that support individuals with disabilities.

🎯 Who The Family Hope Foundation Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, and donor stewardship.
  • Strategic thinker who can develop and execute an annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals.
  • Comfortable working remotely and collaborating with an Executive Director and Board of Trustees.
  • Passionate about the mission of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Family Hope Foundation

1

Highlight specific fundraising results you've achieved, such as dollar amounts raised or donor retention rates, in your resume and cover letter.

2

Demonstrate familiarity with the disability community or a similar cause, showing genuine alignment with Family Hope Foundation's mission.

3

Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote, part-time capacity while still driving strategy and execution.

4

Mention any experience with grant research and writing, as this is a key responsibility.

5

Show how you've built and led volunteer committees or boards to support development efforts.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your track record of growing donor bases and securing major gifts, with quantifiable outcomes.', 'Your strategic approach to fundraising planning and execution, especially in a remote environment.', 'Your commitment to the mission of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.', 'Your ability to collaborate with leadership and volunteers to achieve financial goals.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Family Hope Foundation's website to understand their programs, impact stories, and current fundraising initiatives.
  • → Research the foundation's leadership, including the Executive Director and Board of Trustees, to understand their backgrounds and priorities.
  • → Look into the foundation's recent financial reports (e.g., Form 990) to gauge their revenue sources and financial health.
  • → Check their social media and news coverage to see recent events, campaigns, and community engagement.
Visit The Family Hope Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a fundraising plan for Family Hope Foundation, considering its current donor base and programs?
2 Describe your experience with major gift cultivation and stewardship. How would you approach building relationships with potential major donors?
3 What strategies have you used to retain recurring donors and increase their giving over time?
4 How would you work with the Board of Trustees to leverage their networks for fundraising?
5 Can you share an example of a successful grant application you wrote and the outcome?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic language that doesn't show a connection to the disability community or Family Hope Foundation's specific mission.
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of fundraising achievements, such as amounts raised or donor growth percentages.
  • Not addressing the part-time, remote nature of the role and how you would manage your schedule effectively.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Family Hope Foundation!